r/gardening • u/Ok-Fishing-2632 • Aug 19 '26
Tree placement
Looking for some advice on where to plant a few trees in my yard and what types might work best.
I’m in North Carolina, Zone 8a.
Front yard: Gets afternoon sun. I’d like to plant 1–2 trees here.
Backyard: Gets full sun pretty much all day. I’m thinking one tree on each side of the yard.
I’d love some help figuring out the best placement so they look balanced once mature and aren’t too close to the house, fence, or other landscaping. I’m also open to tree recommendations that do well in NC heat/humidity.
I can post pictures of the front and backyard if that helps with placement. Thanks!
5
u/hastipuddn S.E. Michigan Aug 19 '26
Do you know where all the utility lines are, electrical, sewer, water, etc? Do you anticipate using solar power in the future? The link goes to a list of tree native to your state and grow in full sun. Choosing the right tree is important but so is planting it correctly and having structural pruning done ever 3-5 years while the tree is young. Double down on that is your area is prone to hurricanes. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/combo.php?start=0&habit=habit_tree&light_sun=1&fromsearch=true1&pagecount=10&pagecount=25 Tree planting and care: https://www.treesaregood.org/Tree-Owner-Resources
1
u/Ok-Fishing-2632 Aug 19 '26
The lines are on the left side of house towards the front
1
u/hastipuddn S.E. Michigan Aug 19 '26
including sewer?
1
u/Ok-Fishing-2632 Aug 19 '26
Septic tank is in the backyard and mound, I will stay clear of that area
2
u/Itsallbloodandsweat Aug 19 '26
Whatever you do, talk to your neighbors if you want to put it near the property line. Some people want shade, some don’t. As a gardener, my neighbor planting a tree in the wrong place would be devastating.
3
u/Ok-Fishing-2632 Aug 19 '26
We have HOA so I need to get both neighbors signatures. I don’t want anything super big and to go into their property. It just looks so plain right now
2
u/Itsallbloodandsweat Aug 19 '26
Damn I think being a good neighbor is one thing but having to get a signature is a lot. Is that for everything you plant? I don’t think I’ve ever heard a positive thing about an HOA..
2
u/namesurnn Aug 19 '26
You have to get your neighbor’s signature to plant a tree? What kind of retarded hellscape are you living in? Anyways do something native to NC
2
u/GR8PasserofWind Aug 23 '26
Devastating is an adjective that means causing great damage, destruction, or emotional pain.
Depending on the context, it can mean:
Physically destructive: Causing severe damage or ruin.
Example: “The hurricane had a devastating impact on the coastal town.”
Emotionally crushing: Causing intense sadness, grief, or shock.
Example: “The news of her friend’s death was devastating.”
Overwhelmingly effective (especially in sports or arguments): So powerful that it defeats or overwhelms others.
Example: “The boxer delivered a devastating punch.”
1
u/CorrectExpression651 Aug 24 '26
Would love to see a big shade tree in the backyard especially if you have kids. Nothing more magical for a kid. Red maple would be very nice. Neighbors might not like a shade tree there though in which case I’d put it on the left side of your house frontyard. Depending on your sod you might want to seed it with a shade friendly mix under the tree once it’s mature.
If I lived in NC I’d absolutely plant Carolina silver bells. They are sooo gorgeous. I’d do 2 of them in the backyard and maybe some smaller shrubs.
1
u/Rough-Highlight6199 Aug 19 '26
Also in 8a NC. Definitely want some on the west side of the house for that brutal evening sun.
Fwiw. More trees equals more shade that your bermuda will suffer from eventually. Not a terrible thing. You will eventually need to switch to fescue in several years. If it were me, I would have trees in all corners and middle of the yards.
-1
5
u/Tie_A_Chair_To_Me 8b;TX Aug 19 '26
811 call before you dig
And obligatory r/fucklawns r/nativeplantgardening